1817day.year
In Rome, New York, construction on the Erie Canal begins.
Construction begins on the Erie Canal, establishing a vital water route connecting the Atlantic to the Great Lakes.
On July 4, 1817, ground was broken in Rome, New York, for the Erie Canal.
This ambitious engineering project aimed to link the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
Spanning 363 miles, it would reduce transport costs and travel time dramatically.
The canal’s completion in 1825 transformed trade and settlement patterns in the early United States.
Towns and cities along the route flourished as goods moved faster and cheaper.
It became known as the “Big Ditch” and remains a symbol of American ingenuity.
1817
Rome, New York
Erie Canal
1837day.year
Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool.
The world’s first long-distance railway, the Grand Junction Railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool, revolutionizing land transport.
On July 4, 1837, the Grand Junction Railway commenced operations in England.
Stretching from Birmingham to Liverpool, it became the first long-distance passenger railway.
This pioneering line demonstrated the feasibility of rapid overland travel.
It linked industrial centers, facilitating the movement of goods and workers.
The railway spurred economic growth and inspired further network expansion.
Its success paved the way for the global railway age.
1837
Grand Junction Railway
Birmingham
Liverpool
1886day.year
The Canadian Pacific Railway's first scheduled train from Montreal arrives in Port Moody on the Pacific coast, after six days of travel.
The Canadian Pacific Railway completes its first transcontinental train journey from Montreal to Port Moody in six days.
On July 4, 1886, the inaugural Canadian Pacific Railway passenger train arrived in Port Moody, British Columbia, having departed Montreal six days earlier. This landmark event marked the completion of Canada's first transcontinental rail line, linking the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The railway spanned nearly 3,000 miles and overcame formidable geographic obstacles, including the Rocky Mountains. The completion unified the young nation, facilitated trade, and accelerated settlement in western Canada. It remains a milestone in Canadian history and engineering achievement.
1886
Canadian Pacific Railway
Port Moody
2004day.year
The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City.
The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower was ceremonially laid at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
On July 4, 2004, city officials and families of September 11 victims gathered at Ground Zero for a ceremony marking the laying of the Freedom Tower's cornerstone. The tower, officially named One World Trade Center, was designed to replace the Twin Towers destroyed in the 2001 terrorist attacks. Architect Daniel Libeskind’s design and engineer David Childs’ structural plans guided its development as a symbol of resilience. The ceremony featured speeches honoring the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks and celebrating the promise of renewal. The laying of the cornerstone set in motion years of construction that would reshape Lower Manhattan's skyline. Since then, the tower has become an iconic feature of New York City and a memorial to those lost.
2004
Freedom Tower
World Trade Center site